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Killer Krokodil: Cheap Heroin Knock Off

Krokodil is one the deadliest, and most disturbing, drugs on Earth. It is created by mixing codeine and household chemicals, gasoline, or just about anything that is cheap and readily available. It is spreading because people are able to get an intense high at a fraction of the cost of regular heroin.
The people most at risk of using this horrendous drug are those who are already addicted to other opiates and are willing to use anything to achieve a high.
Potentially, this is just the beginning of the outbreak.

History of Liquid Death

This deadly compound is appealing to users looking for a low cost substitute for heroin.
The origin of the drug is desomorphine, an opiate 10 times more powerful than morphine, which was first patented in the first half of the twentieth century.Amateur drug makers, however, began synthesizing it by “cooking” the easily accessed codeine with a variety of chemicals.
This horrifying drug started in Russia where the main ingredient, codeine, was available over-the counter at the time of this outbreak. Initially used only in rural areas, this drug has been spreading, like an atomic blast, in every direction from its epicenter. It first surfaced in the United States in 2012 and the number of cases and states affected is growing. The DEA has not confirmed any of the cases as they have not been able to apprehend any drug samples from those displaying symptoms.
Testimonies of the first victims of this drug demonstrate the fundamental risks that come with using street drugs. They had no idea what they were buying and using before it was too late.

Side Effects

The use of Krokodil simply spells death. Though all intravenous drug use is potentially deadly, users of Krokodil are given a maximum of a couple of years to live once they start using the drug.This quick kill is due to what happens once it is injected. The danger of this drug comes from the poisonous chemicals used to cut the codeine. The phosphorous or other toxins that result from synthesis cause massive tissue damage and cellular death once injected. The result is horrific sores, necrotic limbs and missing chunks from the user’s body, earning it the nicknames “the flesh-eating drug” and “zombie-drug.”
Pictures of people who have used the drug are jaw-dropping. At first it seems fake and as if still photos from the Walking Dead were accidentally accessed instead. It is nothing short of haunting.
Essentially, anyone who decides to use Krokodil is committing suicide.

There is Help

The fundamental problem with containing the spread of a drug like this is that is seems to piggy back off the desperation of already active drug users. It is shockingly easy to make and the ingredients are cheap. The actual cost, however, is the life and limbs of those who use it. It is not a bargain.
For those struggling with an addiction to heroin, or any substance, please seek help before using this drug.